NiDCOM’s Response in Auditor-General’s Observations on a Purported “Nido Worldwide”

We acknowledge receipt of your letter and the accompanying statement concerning the Auditor-General’s observations relating to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM).
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For the avoidance of doubt, a query is meant to be responded to, and NiDCOM is doing exactly that.

It is appropriate to allow the established process to take its course and await NiDCOM’s response to the query before making public pronouncements on matters that are still being addressed through due process.

An audit observation is not, in itself, a final finding of wrongdoing. It is therefore premature and inappropriate for any organisation to prejudge the Commission’s response or draw conclusions before the relevant facts, records and explanations have been fully considered.

For the record, we wish to state that the reference to the event mentioned in the audit observations, was the Global Alliance Diaspora Symposium, organised in partnership with the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), an organisation comprising 74 member states.

This was a global event with support from the Ministry of National Planning for which NiDCOM collaborated with officials of the Ministry as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The 2023 event in question was not the regular NiDCOM events and the NIDO Europe Chairman at that time was one of those sponsored to attend.

We must also reiterate an important point concerning representation. NIDO is one organisation within the Nigerian diaspora community. It cannot present itself as representing the collective views of all Nigerians living abroad. A

Perhaps this is also an opportunity for you to reflect on and address some of NIDOs longstanding internal challenges, which have unfortunately affected its cohesion and broader representation.

Given the varying claims and perspectives within the organisation, it may be prudent to avoid giving the impression that its current leadership speaks for the entire Nigerian diaspora.

The signatories to the letter are, of course, entitled to express their views, but those views should perhaps be understood within the context of the wider and very diverse

Nigerian diaspora, rather than as representing Nigerians abroad as a whole.

NiDCOM

NiDCOM remains committed to transparency, accountability and due process. We are responding to the query issued to the Commission through the appropriate institutional channels and will allow the competent authorities to consider the facts and documentation in accordance with their mandate.
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We trust that the matter will be allowed to follow due process and that, when the process is concluded, the outcome will be treated with the same level of seriousness and public attention with which the matter was initially raised.

Signed

Management

Clarification on the Legitimate Leadership of NIDO Europe

This notice is issued to inform the general public, members of the Nigerian community in Europe, and relevant stakeholders regarding the legitimate leadership of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe (NIDOE).
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1. LEGITIMATE LEADERSHIP OF NIDOE

In accordance with the history, constitutional provisions, and established leadership succession of NIDO Europe, Hon. Cllr. Harold Ogunfemi is the duly elected Chairman of NIDO Europe. He was elected in November 2024 in Athens, Greece, in accordance with the organisation’s constitution and formally received the mantle of leadership from his predecessor, Dr. Bashir Obasekola, on 9th November 2024.

2. JUDICIAL AFFIRMATION OF LEADERSHIP

The legitimacy of Hon. Cllr. Harold Ogunfemi’s leadership has been affirmed by the County Court at Central London (Claim No. L03CL967). In a judgment dated 28 May 2025 and sealed on 14 June 2025, Deputy District Judge Chakravarty dismissed the claim brought by NIDO UK South against NIDO Europe. As the election of Cllr. Harold Ogunfemi in 2024 was not challenged successfully in court or set aside, he remains the authentic leader of NIDO Europe. We expected that Barr. Chibuzor, being a lawyer, an officer of the court will respect without any hesitation the decision of the court but No, he is desperate to be chairman to achieve a selfish effect.

3. CLARIFICATION ON CLAIMS TO THE CHAIRMANSHIP

We wish to clarify that the claims to the chairmanship of NIDO Europe by Barr. Chibuzor Ubochi do not represent the leadership recognised by our organisation. The leadership dispute and subsequent division within the organisation have generated considerable concern among members and stakeholders. We maintain that the leadership under Hon. Cllr. Harold Ogunfemi derives its legitimacy from the constitutional electoral process and the established succession of leadership within NIDOE, spanning over two decades. What is the historical geneology of Barr.Chibuzor’s leadership. Whom did he take over from or does it mean he created a new NIDO Europe?

4. CONCERNS OVER THE PURPORTED “NIDO WORLDWIDE” CHAIRMANSHIP

We are equally concerned about the continued use of the title of “Coordinating Chairman of NIDO Worldwide” by Barr. Chibuzor Ubochi and others. The Act establishing the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) does not recognise any entity called “NIDO Worldwide.” What the Act recognises are Continental leadership structures, each independent and not under any coordinating leadership in the guise of “NIDO Worldwide.” We therefore question the basis for the continued use of this title and urge all stakeholders to beware.

5. APPEAL TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND STAKEHOLDERS

We hereby dissociate ourselves from any group or

activities purporting to represent NIDO Europe under a leadership that is not recognised by our organisation. We urge members of the public, government institutions, corporate bodies, and other stakeholders to exercise due diligence and verify the legitimacy of any individual or group claiming to represent NIDO Europe before engaging with them.

NIDO Europe

With regards to the auditor generals querry to NIDCOM, there are already enough institutions, agencies and apparatus of government to investigate and determine the authenticity or otherwise of the claims. Let those institutions therefore carry out their duties.

6. OUR COMMITMENT TO CONSTITUTIONALISM AND UNITY

NIDO Europe remains a law-abiding organisation committed to constitutional governance, transparency, unity, and the advancement of Nigerians in the diaspora.

We shall not allow personal ambitions, leadership

disputes, or competing claims to undermine the

organisation’s history, integrity, and collective purpose.

We therefore call on all members and stakeholders to uphold the constitution, respect legitimate leadership, and work towards peace, unity, and the continued progress of NIDOE.

SIGNED:

Cllr. Harold Ogunfemi

Chairman

Hon. Otogo Μ.Α.

General Secretary

Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe (NIDOE)
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Governor Eno Assures Seplat Energy of Sustained Partnership, Investment Protection

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has assured investors of his administration’s continued support and partnership, stressing that the state remains committed to protecting investments and creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
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Governor Eno gave the assurance when he received the management of Seplat Energy, led by its Chairman, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Uyo.
The Governor congratulated the company’s new Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Effiong Okon, on his appointment and assumption of office, noting that his new position carries responsibilities beyond the interests of Seplat Energy to also contribute to the development of Akwa Ibom State.

He commended Seplat Energy for its sense of responsibility and collaboration with the state government, particularly its engagement with host communities.

Governor Eno urged the company to sustain its efforts and develop more initiatives capable of improving the welfare of its host communities and contributing to the overall development of the state.

He attributed the peaceful atmosphere in Akwa Ibom to deliberate collaboration among the government, security agencies and residents, assuring Seplat Energy that his administration would continue to work with the company to sustain peace and create an enabling environment for investment.
The Governor also commended Senator Udoma, whom he described as one of the great sons of Akwa Ibom, while expressing confidence in the new management of Seplat Energy to achieve its objectives and make a greater impact across its host communities.

Earlier, Senator Udoma commended Governor Eno for what he described as visionary and impactful leadership in the state.
He explained that the delegation was at the Government House to formally introduce the company’s new CEO, Engr. Effiong Okon, to the Governor and strengthen the relationship between Seplat Energy and the state government.

In his remarks, Engr. Okon expressed delight at returning home to contribute to the development of Akwa Ibom while also discharging his responsibilities to Seplat Energy.

Umo Eno

Other members of the Seplat Energy delegation included the Director of External Affairs and Social Performance, Chioma Afe; Managing Director, Offshore Operations, Ikponwonsa Ogunwonyi; Vice President, Human Resources, Emo Udobong-Ntia; and Vice President, Joint Venture Operations, John Itsueli.
Members of the Governor’s team at the meeting included the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; Executive Assistant and Chief Delivery Advisor to the Governor, Mr. Aniefiok Johnson; members of the State Executive Council and other government officials.
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